Crystal McMillon: Personal Interest Statement

To say that I have always known that I wanted to be a social worker would be just
as much as a false statement as it is a clich. I came to this conclusion, my aha
moment, in the year of 2012. My personal encounters have made me realize that this is
my calling. The realization that I could see myself being a social worker for the rest of
my life is what solidified my decision in receiving my MSW at Wayne State University.
My compatibility of interest with the urban mission of Wayne State University is
extremely compatible when it comes to diversity and knowledge. The mission statement
encompasses all the goals and expectations I have of myself and for my target population
that I plan to serve.
My goal is to work at the Federal level assessing Social Workers/ Counselors for
the sexually abused population and providing support to counselors and social workers all
over the country. My long-term goal is to develop a state-of-the-art curriculum and
counseling program that will be the standard for all others incorporating the things that
are most important to this vulnerable population when it comes to healing, treatment and
interventions.
My BSW education and field placement has prepared me for my intended field of
practice in a myriad of ways. Both have helped me improve a plethora of educational
skills such as my writing, oral communication, research and critical thinking skills, from
the hands on experience of performing assessments, facilitating group and youth
workshops. When it comes to the practice of social work with client system, I mainly
focus on the NASW code of ethics. When dealing with clients one may face ethical
dilemmas, fortunately I didnt face any throughout my field placement. In addition,

Crystal McMillon: Personal Interest Statement

throughout the social work courses I have gained professional knowledge about the
profession increasing my awareness of the proper ethical standards and cultural
competence in many areas. For example, class SW 3810 taught me the importance of
research and evidence-based practice (EBP) which are both essential in this field. EBP is
taking knowledge and evidence that was gathered from previous empirical research and
applying it to a particular population. The advantages of EBP helps you think more
critically about the problem at hand due to prior studies and interventions. Other positive
factors are the results that you find which can be used to further assist you and other
people as well. Furthermore, EBP gives you the ability to plan more effective
interventions for future clients within your population.
Like all beginning social workers, I have strengths as well as limitations, but
through education and professional experience I will only continue to evolve and excel.
Social problems play a monolithic role in the social work profession. I have a concern for
an abundance of social problems, but my primary interest is in that of the sexually abused
population. Sexual abuse is a gargantuan issue globally that doesnt exclude or
discriminate against any demographic. Socially, sexual abuse affects us all; it creates a
population and a world full of people that live in constant fear, and often in a place of
insecurity. Those insecurities and that fear at some point indirectly affect everyone,
everywhere. We live in a world where sexual abuse is a common occurrence, but still not
a common conversation. Those who have been sexually abused are apart of a very
vulnerable populace, which is why I care to work within this area: to protect them from
further harm from a psychological perspective. I know that I cant reverse the act of
sexual abuse, but I know that I can help provide a platform to release some of the hurt

Crystal McMillon: Personal Interest Statement

that it caused. I want to extend a heart, an ear, and a safe place for survivors to tell their
stories.
My strengths include my eagerness to learn, the acceptance of others for who they
are, having a non-judgmental attitude, being cultural competent, and the ability to seek
assistance or feedback when needed. In the social work profession I know that I will
cross paths with a plethora of people who share or dont share the same values as I, and I
am ok with that. As for limitations, I am limited because Im still improving my level of
emotional intelligence, which is something that comes with growth and experience.
However, I look at it being more of a strength because I'm not desensitized to other
lifestyles and situations.
Everything I have every achieved has been driven by my wanting to do
more. Pushing life to the extreme. Comforting the fear of change. Im very aware of my
flaws and faults, which at times I can be too self-critical. Over the years I've been trying
not to berate myself as much as I have in the past. Instead, I learned to embrace flaws,
and also work on rebuilding myself at the same time. Self reflection and self awareness
are two of the most important qualities a person can poses, because it helps one to
develop ones own self critique. I have always had drive and ambition to excel. My grades
throughout the MSW program will reflect my determination. I will use my self -critique
to stay on the right track and focus on my career path, which can be seen through my
GPA. I plan to cope with the demands of graduate studies at Wayne State University by
using my time management skills. My education will be put first, by using the same
techniques that I used throughout my undergrad.

Crystal McMillon: Personal Interest Statement

Pressure is an important gauge to measure a persons tolerance and patience, and I
posses both qualities. Being that I've been a waitress majority of my adulthood, I know
that I can handle work under pressure well. Working under pressure presents more of a
challenge. If you plan properly and are well organized, thats half the battle of the
pressure. When working under pressure, I try my best to remain calm and clear headed; I
realized from past experience that when you worry and stress it only makes matters
worst.
Group work is a huge part of the social work profession, being able to collaborate
with class members to complete assignments was expected of me throughout undergrad.
As a social worker one must be able to collaborate with staff from different departments.
Im aware of the importance of teamwork in any organization, and being a team player is
definitely another one of my strengths.
There are a multitude of reasons why I'm interested in becoming a social worker.
I have a love for the human race and all mankind and would love to devote my life into
building their future. Being a solution to someones problem or even empowering them
the skills needed to overcome any obstacle, is self-gratifying. I am able to embrace the
possibilities and responsibility of improving and transforming the lives of others in our
ever-changing society. The self-gratification of knowing that Im making a difference in
the life of others is one of the most rewarding gifts I can ever ask for.
Im very passionate about helping others and not only sympathizing but
empathizing with them as well. My life experiences allow me to do just that. My
childhood consisted of two very different involvements. Until the age of 8, I was
privileged to live with both parents in a very affluent suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. I went

Crystal McMillon: Personal Interest Statement

to schools with unlimited resources and qualified, passionate teachers. I excelled
academically even though my home life was less than ideal. My father was a functional
alcoholic and abusive to my mother and at times my siblings and I. Once my parents
divorced, my mother, siblings and I relocated to Detroit, Michigan. The move forced me
into a completely different environment; not only culturally but also provided a lot less
educational resources and feelings of security. My mom struggled to take care of us on
her own and because she was a high school drop-out, who later received her GED, didnt
know how to effectively support me academically, never attending Parent Teacher
Conferences or inquiring about school issues or progress. Drugs, poverty and a hopeless
mentality afflicted my neighborhood. My high school hired uncertified teachers, a high
school social worker but no counselor, and very few college preparatory courses.
Statistically, I wasnt supposed to graduate from high school, let alone college but I
overcame adversity. I believe my abilities to recognize and work with an abundance of
social problems has already reached throughout my life experiences. I want to use my
experiences and education from my BSW at Wayne State to help other youth do the same,
and I am hopeful that I continue with Wayne State Universitys Masters of Social Work
program.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely Yours,

Crystal McMillon: Personal Interest Statement

Crystal Angelique McMillon